LITTER and weed hit squads have worked so hard over the summer that they have worn out their tools.
The temporary teams, deployed by Stockton Borough Council from the beginning of July, have collected 18 tonnes of weeds and litter.
Six hoes used by the 12- strong team are so dilapidated that they need to be replaced.
The council has carried out the work in advance of a Best Value report on its services, due out later this year.
The report will make recommendations about how cleaning services are delivered in the future.
Areas covered so far include Billingham, Central Thornaby, Stockton and Hartburn.
Chris Hayward, Stockton Borough Council's cleansing and transport manager said: "We are making a real difference in the area we have tackled so far.
"This exercise shows we are listening to our residents and we hope to be able to repeat this exercise every year."
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